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Caritas Gala 2021 Award Recipients
Bishops Award
Edward L. Hennessy Jr.
Ed Hennessy has been a friend and supporter of the Diocese of Paterson for over 50 years. Along with the late Bishop of Paterson, Most Reverend Frank Rodimer, Mr.Hennessy is the co-founder of the Tri-County Scholarship Fund. Through Mr. Hennessy’s leadership, this fund has awarded over 32,000 scholarships since 1981. He is a devoted parishioner of the Church of Christ the King in New Vernon, supports many Diocesan ministries and helped restore the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson. Mr. Hennessy’s kindness, philanthropy and Catholic values have strengthened the Diocese of Paterson and all of New Jersey.
Straight and Narrow Award
The O’Connor Family
Celebrating 100 Years of the “Jazz Priest” - Fr. Norman O’Connor
Fr. Norman O’Connor was the Executive Director of Straight and Narrow from 1980-2002, helping it evolve to the largest nonprofit drug and alcohol treatment center in the entire country. Born in Detroit, he was ordained a Paulist Priest in Washington, DC, on May 1, 1948. Known as the Jazz Priest, he was co-founder and central figure of the Newport Jazz Festival. He became known as one of the few jazz authorities outside the ranks of professional musicians. In the 60's Fr. O'Connor hosted the CBS-TV program "Dial M for Music." Fr. O’Connor’s legacy continues to live on through his nephews, nieces and the Stella Matutina O’Connor Foundation. The kindness of Fr. O’Connor’s family has helped Straight and Narrow construct and renovate a new state of the art wellness center opening in 2021.
Catholic Family and Community Services Award
Peyton Triano
At just 13 years old, Peyton Triano has made an incredible impact in the lives of those in need in Paterson. Peyton started her own nonprofit organization, Compassionate Kids NJ, and family baking company. Proceeds from her company directly helps purchase food at our Fr. English Food Pantry. Through COVID-19 Peyton has contributed thousands of pounds of food to help children and families impacted by the pandemic.
Department for Persons with Disabilities Award
Billy Ramirez and Robert Jaworski
Recognizing 50 Years of Murray House
Murray House opened in 1971 in Paterson and was named in memory of Jimmie Murray, a young man with special needs. 50 years, later Jimmie’s brothers and family continue to support our vital ministry. Founded by Msgr. Jack Wehrlen, Murray House was a pioneer program for people who happen to have intellectual and developmental disabilities. 50 years later, Murray House and the Department for Persons with Disabilities continue to persevere on. Billy and Robert, are the only 2 remaining original Murray House residents. They are inspirational, kind, and are the heart of our ministry at Catholic Charities.